Back to Latest Briefings
May 27, 2026
AI-Enhanced
Dr Kingsley Agyemang raises concerns over Ghana’s Ebola preparedness gaps
Money
Policy
Key Points
- A Ghanaian MP, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, warns that Ghana's emergency response systems for a possible Ebola outbreak are weak outside Accra.
- His concerns come as the WHO declares the rapid spread of Ebola in DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
- While the Ghana Health Service assures strengthened systems, Dr. Agyemang argues current preparedness assessments are heavily focused on Accra, creating a false impression of nationwide readiness.
- He stresses that true preparedness should be assessed from the district level upwards, highlighting inadequate logistics and surveillance capacity in remote areas.
- Dr. Agyemang advocates for increased investment in district/regional health infrastructure, improved training for frontline workers, and stronger nationwide emergency response systems beyond the capital.
Why This Matters
This issue is critical for Ghana as a weak national emergency response system, especially outside Accra, leaves a significant portion of the population vulnerable to a potential Ebola outbreak. Inadequate preparedness in remote areas could facilitate rapid disease spread, overwhelm the healthcare system, and lead to widespread public health and economic crises. Ensuring robust health security across all regions is vital for national stability and public safety.
Read Full Article
View original sourceRelated Articles
October 10, 2026
Gov’t targets recruitment of 16,500 health professionals in 2026
- Government plans to recruit 16,500 health professionals in 2026 to address staffing gaps.
- Financial clearance has been secured to ensure timely payment for all new recruits.
- The initiative aims to tackle unemployment among trained professionals and the migration of skilled workers.
- Retention strategies beyond recruitment include improving working environments and quality of life factors like housing and security.
- The Labour Ministry is pursuing reforms to strengthen labour market governance and improve working conditions.
October 10, 2026
GRA blames system failure for delay in issuing receipt over passenger’s customs duty
- The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) investigated allegations of extortion involving Customs officers at Accra International Airport after a passenger, Gifty Osei Bonsu, was assessed GH¢807.68 in customs duty.
- Preliminary investigations revealed a temporary system failure prevented the immediate issuance of an official receipt for the duty paid on 20 pairs of new shoes, nine dresses, 18 shirts, and four wigs.
- Ms. Bonsu deposited GH¢800, and the remaining GH¢7.68 was covered by the officers personally, with the full assessed duty later paid into GRA’s revenue account at Ecobank Ghana Limited.
- The GRA apologized for the inconvenience and delay, affirming the transaction was in good faith and the duty duly accounted for.
- The Authority has introduced alternative procedures for system interruptions, begun reviewing standard operating procedures for officer engagement, and is developing improved passenger-facing processes for transparency and clarity.
October 9, 2026
Ghana housing finance conference adopts communiqué to improve affordable housing access
- A National Conference on Housing Finance 2026 communiqué has been adopted, committing various stakeholders to improve access to affordable housing in Ghana.
- The National Housing Fund (NHF) is tasked with coordinating implementation, promoting innovation, developing risk-sharing mechanisms, and establishing a national homebuyers database.
- Government, financial institutions, housing developers (GREDA), and labour organizations have pledged specific actions, including mobilizing private investment and advocating for inclusive policies.
- GREDA committed to using local materials, improving efficiency, and promoting green building practices to reduce housing costs.
- The initiative aims to address Ghana's estimated 1.8 million housing deficit and tackle challenges like rapid urbanization and rising construction costs.